In mid December of last year Mike, the Site Superintendent, mocked up a fireplace for me to see. Even before we got this far, we had to decide if we wanted a wood burning (there is nothing like a wood fire!) or gas fireplace. We decided on gas and this mock-up helped us decide the width and height. We also had to think about how deep the mantle would be, and when Jay added a raised hearth, we had to choose a height and if the hearth was all tile or wood and tile.
A double check was made of all the decisions up to that point, especially the height of the hearth and depth of the mantle as well as the way the mantle would wrap around and connect with the wall. Our builder will have his finish carpenter build a Craftsman style cherry wood mantle.
The fireplace arrived and was installed. We also decided to put support or a TV above the fireplace. I plan to hang an antique mirror or art there but someday, someone might want support and cable and an electrical outlet so we are having those things put in now. The electrical outlet could also be used for small lamps or Christmas decor on top of the mantle. I have revisited the tile supply company and selected a rustic slate with lots of texture (to play against the smooth texture of the cherry mantle) for the surround and the hearth bench (will need cushions).
First week of February and we have sheet rock walls. No decisions this week, just a discussion about matching the cherry mantle and hearth to the cherry cabinets that will be built-in on each side of the fireplace.
Chris, the finish carpenter, built our mantle and hearth this week. We LOVE it. And, tile guys Vitaliy and Misha are working on the slate tile for the seat and surround.
